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Istanbul Airport vs Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Detailed comparison of IST and CDG on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.
Verdict
Istanbul Airport (IST) scores higher overall at 8.5/10 versus Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 7.4/10.
Istanbul Airport (IST) scores 8.5/10 (Excellent)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (8.3),
passenger experience (8.4), and facilities (8.8).
Lounge quality rates 9.0/10. See full airport guide →
In short
Istanbul Airport (IST) is Turkish Airlines' mega-hub, rated 8.5/10 on FlightLogic. The 2019 single-terminal design handles 76M+ passengers with one of the world's largest business lounges. Ideal for Europe-Asia-Africa connections on Turkish Airlines. Allow 90+ minutes for connections.
FlightLogic Score8.5Excellent
On-time8.3Departure reliability
Experience8.4Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities8.8Food, shops, seating
Lounges9.0Lounge quality
Rating basisEditorialFlightLogic methodology
Score breakdown
Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.
On-Time Performance
8.3
Passenger Experience
8.4
Facilities & Comfort
8.8
Lounge score9.0/10
Highlights
Single mega-terminal opened 2019 — one of the world's largest airport buildings under one roof
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge: 60,000+ sqm with cinema, golf simulator, museum, and extensive dining
130+ country connections via Turkish Airlines — one of the world's most connected hubs by country count
Istanbul scores 8.5/10 on FlightLogic with strong facilities (8.8/10) — lounge score 9.0/10
Overview
Massive new hub designed for Turkish Airlines with impressive lounges and growing route network.
Turkish Airlines lounge and terminal
The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge at IST spans over 60,000 square metres — one of the largest in the world — with multiple dining areas, a cinema, golf simulator, museum section, and prayer rooms. Business class and Star Alliance Gold passengers on Turkish Airlines access it free.
The single-terminal design means all connections are airside without inter-terminal transfers, but the terminal is vast — allow generous connection times of 90+ minutes for international-to-international connections.
Istanbul as a connection hub
Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any other airline, making IST ideal for reaching secondary cities in Africa, Central Asia, and the Balkans that lack direct flights from Western Europe.
Compare IST against DOH (Qatar) and DXB (Emirates) for similar Europe-Asia routings — Turkish often wins on fare price; Gulf carriers win on premium product consistency.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) scores 7.4/10 (Very Good)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.2),
passenger experience (7.3), and facilities (7.8).
Lounge quality rates 8.2/10. See full airport guide →
In short
Paris CDG is rated 7.4/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.2/10. Air France dominates Terminal 2 with extensive Business and La Première lounges. Schengen and non-Schengen transfers may require immigration — allow 90+ minutes for connections. UK261 does not apply; EU261 may apply on EU departures.
FlightLogic Score7.4Very Good
On-time7.2Departure reliability
Experience7.3Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities7.8Food, shops, seating
Lounges8.2Lounge quality
Rating basisEditorialFlightLogic methodology
Score breakdown
Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.
On-Time Performance
7.2
Passenger Experience
7.3
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score8.2/10
Highlights
Terminal 2 is the main hub — sub-terminals 2E/2F for long-haul, 2G for Schengen regional
Air France La Première and Business lounges among Europe's largest airline clubs
CDGVAL automated train links T1, T2, and T3 landside — not all T2 sub-terminals connect airside
Common UK connection point for Africa, Indian Ocean, and French overseas territories
Overview
Air France and SkyTeam mega-hub — sprawling terminal 2 complex with strong premium lounges but connection walks can be long.
Terminal 2 and Air France lounges
Air France operates multiple lounges across Terminal 2E and 2F — the Business lounge near Hall L in 2E is the main long-haul hub. La Première has a private salon for first class passengers.
SkyTeam elite and business class passengers access AF lounges on qualifying itineraries. Priority Pass options exist but are limited compared to airline clubs.
FAQ
Which is better, Istanbul Airport or Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport?
Istanbul Airport (IST) scores higher overall at 8.5/10 versus Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 7.4/10.
Which has better lounges, IST or CDG?
Istanbul Airport (IST) scores higher for lounges at 9.0/10, versus Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at 8.2/10.
Which airport is more on-time, IST or CDG?
Istanbul Airport (IST) has stronger on-time performance at 8.3/10 versus Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 7.2/10.
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